MINIMALIST WALLET AUXILIARY MEMBER

Abstract

The preset disclosure relates to a wallet comprising a removable auxiliary member. The auxiliary member can include an auxiliary clip, electronic parts holder, and/or auxiliary band. The auxiliary member can be coupled to the wallet via a friction fit established at an interface between one or more tangs of the auxiliary member and cover plates of the wallet. For instance, the one or more tangs can be positioned within a longitudinal groove in the wallet between an elastic band of the wallet and a cover plate of the wallet.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to a minimalist wallet with a removable auxiliary member and, more particularly, to an auxiliary member that couples to a body of a wallet so as to be positioned on an exterior surface of the wallet.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Minimalist wallets are typically designed to have a sleek profile while holding a plurality of cards (e.g., credit cards) and/or reserve notes (e.g., U.S. dollar bills). The wallets can be outfitted with an exterior auxiliary member, such as a money clip or cash band, to increase the capacity of the wallet. Typically, the auxiliary members are fixed to the wallet body in a permanent, or semi-permanent manner, such that removing or replacing the auxiliary member requires a disassembly of the wallet.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Various details of the present disclosure are hereinafter summarized to provide a basic understanding. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and is neither intended to identify certain elements of the disclosure, nor to delineate the scope thereof. Rather, the primary purpose of this summary is to present some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form prior to the more detailed description that is presented hereinafter.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a compact wallet is provided. The compact wallet can comprise a body comprising a plurality of plates; a cover plate from the plurality of plates; and an auxiliary member coupled to the cover plate via a friction fit, wherein a tang of the auxiliary member is pressed against an inner surface of the cover plate.

Any combinations of the various embodiments and implementations disclosed herein can be used in a further embodiment, consistent with the disclosure. These and other aspects and features can be appreciated from the following description of certain embodiments presented herein in accordance with the disclosure and the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a non-limiting example minimalist wallet comprising an auxiliary clip in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a non-limiting example minimalist wallet comprising an auxiliary member in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a non-limiting minimalist wallet body that can accept one or more auxiliary members in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a non-limiting example cover plate configured to couple with an auxiliary member of a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a non-limiting example minimalist wallet comprising an auxiliary member in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a non-limiting example bottom perspective view of a minimalist wallet comprising an auxiliary clip and/or electronic parts holder as an auxiliary member in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate non-limiting example side perspective views of a minimalist wallet comprising an auxiliary clip in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a non-limiting example top perspective view of a minimalist wallet comprising an auxiliary clip in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates a non-limiting example bottom perspective view of a minimalist wallet comprising an auxiliary clip or electronic parts holder as an auxiliary member in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate non-limiting example top and bottom perspective views of an auxiliary clip for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate non-limiting example side perspective views of an auxiliary clip for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 12A-12B illustrate non-limiting example front and back perspective views of an auxiliary clip for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate non-limiting example top and bottom perspective views of an auxiliary clip for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 14 illustrates a non-limiting example minimalist wallet comprising an electronic parts holder as an auxiliary member in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 15A-15D illustrate non-limiting example side perspective views of a minimalist wallet comprising an electronic parts holder as an auxiliary member in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 16 illustrates a non-limiting example minimalist top perspective view of a minimalist wallet comprising an electronic parts holder as an auxiliary member in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 17 illustrates a non-limiting example minimalist top perspective view of an electronic parts holder as an auxiliary member for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 18 illustrates a non-limiting example minimalist bottom perspective view of an electronic parts holder as an auxiliary member for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 19A-19B illustrate non-limiting example minimalist side perspective views of an electronic parts holder as an auxiliary member for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 20A-20B illustrate non-limiting example minimalist front and back perspective views of an electronic parts holder as an auxiliary member for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 21A-21B illustrate non-limiting example minimalist top and bottom perspective views of an electronic parts holder as an auxiliary member for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 22 illustrates a non-limiting example top perspective view of a minimalist wallet comprising an auxiliary band in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 23 illustrates a non-limiting example bottom perspective view of a minimalist wallet comprising an auxiliary band (e.g., with or without a buckle and/or with or without rounded tang ends) in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 24 illustrates a non-limiting example top perspective view of a minimalist wallet comprising an auxiliary band in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 25 illustrates a non-limiting example bottom perspective view of a minimalist wallet comprising an auxiliary band in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 26 illustrates a non-limiting example bottom perspective view of an auxiliary band for a minimalist wallet (e.g., with or without a buckle and/or with or without rounded tang ends) in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 27 illustrates a non-limiting example top perspective view of an auxiliary band for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 28A-28D illustrate non-limiting example side perspective views of a minimalist wallet comprising an auxiliary band in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 29A-29B illustrate non-limiting example top and bottom perspective views of an auxiliary band for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 30A-30B illustrate non-limiting example front and back perspective views of an auxiliary band (e.g., with or without a buckle, and/or with or without rounded tang ends) for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 31A-31B illustrate non-limiting example side perspective views of an auxiliary band for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 32 illustrates a non-limiting example top perspective view of a minimalist wallet comprising an auxiliary band with a buckle, and with or without rounded tang ends, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 33A-33D illustrate non-limiting example side perspective views of a minimalist wallet comprising an auxiliary band with a buckle, and with or without rounded tang ends, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 34 illustrates a non-limiting example top perspective view of a minimalist wallet comprising an auxiliary band with a buckle, and with or without rounded tang ends, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 35 illustrates a non-limiting example top perspective view of an auxiliary band with a buckle for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 36 illustrates a non-limiting example bottom perspective view of an auxiliary band with a buckle for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 37 illustrates a non-limiting example top perspective view of an auxiliary band with a buckle and rounded tang ends for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 38 illustrates a non-limiting example bottom perspective view of an auxiliary band with a buckle and rounded tang ends for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 39A-39B illustrate non-limiting example side perspective views of an auxiliary band with a buckle, and with or without rounded tang ends, for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 40A-40B illustrate non-limiting example top and bottom perspective views of an auxiliary band with a buckle for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 41A-41B illustrate non-limiting example top and bottom perspective views of an auxiliary band with a buckle and rounded tang ends for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 42 illustrates a non-limiting example top perspective view of a minimalist wallet comprising an auxiliary band with a buckle in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 43A-43B illustrate non-limiting example side perspective views of a minimalist wallet comprising an auxiliary band with a buckle in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 44 illustrates a non-limiting example top perspective view of a minimalist wallet comprising an auxiliary band with a buckle in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 45 illustrates a non-limiting example top perspective view of an auxiliary band with a buckle for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 46 illustrates a non-limiting example bottom perspective view of an auxiliary band with a buckle for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 47A-47B illustrate non-limiting example side perspective views of an auxiliary band with a buckle for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 48A-48B illustrate non-limiting example top and bottom perspective views of an auxiliary band with a buckle for a minimalist wallet in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Like elements in the various figures may be denoted by like reference numerals for consistency. Further, in the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. Additionally, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the scale of the elements presented in the accompanying Figures may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure generally relate to a minimalist wallet with an auxiliary member that is removably attached to a body of the wallet via a friction fit configuration. For example, the body of the wallet can be composed of a plurality of plates, which include a cover plate. The auxiliary member can include a tang that extends into the wallet body, adjacent to the cover plate. Further, the tang of the auxiliary member can be pressed against the cover plate. For instance, the tang can include one or more bumps that extend toward the cover plate. The bumps can press against the cover plate so as to enhance a frictional force between the cover plate and the tang; thereby inhibiting a sliding of the tang in relation to the cover plate. The friction can be overcome when a defined amount of lateral force is applied to the auxiliary member. Once the friction is overcome, the lateral force can slide the auxiliary member past the cover plate; thereby removing the auxiliary member from the compact wallet.

FIG. 1 depicts a photo of a non-limiting example wallet 100 that can comprise an auxiliary member 102 that is removably attached in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. In various embodiments, the auxiliary member 102 can be embodied as an auxiliary clip 102a (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1), an auxiliary electronic parts holder 102b, and/or an auxiliary band 102c.

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of the wallet 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the wallet 100 can comprise a body 103 composed of cover plates 104 and inner plates 106. For instance, the body 103 can include: a first cover plate 104a fixed to a first inner plate 106a, and a second cover plate 104b fixed to a second inner plate 106b. In various embodiments, the body 103 of the compact wallet 100 can have a substantially rectangular shape. The first cover plate 104a can serve as a first exterior face 107a of the wallet 100, and the second cover plate 106 can serve as a second exterior face 107b of the wallet 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the first inner plate 106a and the second inner plate 106b can be positioned between the first cover plate 104a and the second cover plate 104b.

In one or more embodiments, the cover plates 104 can be fixed to the inner plates 106 via one or more fasteners 108 (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, and/or the like), glue, magnets, a combination thereof, and/or the like. For example, FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment in which the cover plates 104 are fixed to the inner plates 106 via one or more fasteners 108 (e.g., screws). For instance, the first cover plate 104a can be fixed to the first inner plate 106a via a first set of fasteners 108. Likewise, the second cover plate 104b can be fixed to the second inner plate 106b via a second set of fasteners 108.

Additionally, the first inner plate 106a can be coupled to, and biased towards, the second inner plate 106b via a longitudinal elastic band 110 and/or a lateral elastic band 112. For example, each of the inner plates 106 can include a longitudinal groove 114 that extends along the longitudinal length of the wallet 100 (e.g., along the X axis shown in FIG. 1). Further, each of the inner plates 106 can include a lateral groove 116 that extends laterally along a portion of the wallet 100 (e.g., extends along the Y axis shown in FIG. 1).

In one or more embodiments, the longitudinal elastic band 110 can be a loop of clastic material that at least partially surrounds the inner plates 106. Further, the elastic band 110 can reside within the longitudinal groove 114 of each of the inner plates 106. Similarly, the lateral elastic band 112 can be a strand of elastic material, where each end of the lateral elastic band 112 can be coupled to a portion of the longitudinal elastic band 110. Further, the lateral elastic band 112 can reside within the lateral groove 116 of each inner plate 106 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1).

The elastic nature of the longitudinal elastic band 110 and the lateral elastic band 112 can enable the inner plates 106 to remain biased towards each other while enabling a forced separation of the first inner plate 106a away from the second inner plate 106b. For example, as the first inner plate 106a is distanced from the second inner plate 106b, the longitudinal elastic band 110 and the lateral elastic band 112 can stretch to enable an increased volume between the first inner plate 106a and the second inner plate 106b. While the wallet 100 is in use, the inner plates 106 can be separated so as to place one or more cards (e.g., credit cards) between the inner plates 106 (e.g., into the increased volumetric space created by the separation), where the elasticity of the longitudinal elastic band 110 and the lateral elastic band 112 can bias the inner plate 106 towards each other to secure the card contents. As such, the depth of the wallet 100 (e.g., along the Z axis shown in FIG. 1) can adapt (e.g., increase or decrease) based on the number of cards held by the wallet 100 between the inner plates 106.

As shown in FIG. 1, the auxiliary member 102 (e.g., auxiliary clip 102a, electronic parts holder 102b, and/or auxiliary band 102c) can be positioned adjacent to the first cover plate 104a and can extend into the body 103 of the wallet 100 (e.g., into the longitudinal groove 114).

FIG. 2 depicts an exploded view of the non-limiting example wallet 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. In one or more embodiments, the auxiliary member 102 can be an auxiliary clip 102a having a clip portion 202 that is biased against the first exterior face 107a of the body 103.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first inner plate 106a comprises an outward surface 204a that faces the first cover plate 104a while the first cover plate 104a and the first inner plate 106a are coupled together. The first inner plate 106a further comprises the longitudinal groove 114 indented into the outward surface of the 204a of the first inner plate 106a. The longitudinal groove 114 can be configured to receive the longitudinal elastic band 110. Additionally, the longitudinal groove 114 can be configured to receive a tang 206 of the auxiliary member 102 (e.g., of the auxiliary clip 102a, an electronic parts holder 102b, and/or an auxiliary band 102c). The longitudinal groove 114 can further define a cavity in a side of the body 103 into which the tang 206 of the auxiliary member 102 can enter.

Moreover, the first inner plate 106a can include the lateral groove 116, extending toward the center of the first inner plate 106a from a sidewall of the first inner plate 106a. In various embodiments, the second inner plate 106b can have a mirror configuration of the first inner plate 106a. Thereby, the second inner plate 106b can comprise a respective outward surface 202b, longitudinal groove 114, and/or lateral groove 116.

The first inner plate 106a and the second inner plate 106b can be positioned adjacent each other such that the respective outward face 202 of each plate faces away from each other. Additionally, the longitudinal elastic band 110 can at least partially surround the first inner plate 106a and the second inner plate 106b while residing in the respective longitudinal groove 114 of each plate. The first cover plate 104a can cover the portion of the longitudinal elastic band 110 residing in the longitudinal groove 114 of the first inner plate 106a while being coupled to the first inner plate 106a via one or more fasteners 108 (e.g., screws) positioned in fastener holes 208 of the first cover plate 104a and/or the first inner plate 106a. Likewise, the second cover plate 104b can cover the portion of the longitudinal elastic band 110 residing in the longitudinal groove 114 of the second inner plate 106b while being coupled to the second inner plate 106b via one or more fasteners 108 (e.g., screws) positioned in fastener holes 208 of the second cover plate 104b and/or the second inner plate 106b. In various embodiments, the longitudinal elastic band 110 can bias the first inner plate 106a and the second inner plate 106b towards each other. In one or more embodiments, the wallet 100 can be configured to contain card-like objects (e.g., credit cards) between the first inner plate 106a and the second inner plate 106b.

While the wallet 100 is in the assembled state, the tang 202 of the auxiliary member 102 (e.g., of the auxiliary clip 102a, an electronic parts holder 102b, and an auxiliary band 102c) can be positioned within the longitudinal groove 114 of the first inner plate 106a and between the longitudinal elastic band 110 and the first cover plate 104a. For example, a portion of the first cover plate 104a can be positioned between the clip portion 202 of the auxiliary member 102 and the tang 206 of the auxiliary member 102. Additionally, the tang 202 can include one or more bumps 210. The bumps 210 are depicted via dashed lines in FIG. 2 to delineate their position underlying the clip portion 202 of the auxiliary member 102. In one or more embodiments, the bumps 210 can be protrusions extending from the tang 206 towards the clip portion 202, and thereby towards the first cover plate 104a.

In various embodiments, the auxiliary member 102 can have a property of elasticity that biases the tang 206 toward the clip portion 202. Thereby, the tang 206 and the clip portion 202 can be configured to pinch the first cover plate 104a. This biasing force, and pinching configuration, can create friction between the first cover plate 104a and the tang 206 as the one or more bumps 210 are pressed against the first cover plate 104a. As such, the auxiliary member 102 can be coupled to the body 103 of the compact wallet 100 via a friction fit at the interface between the tang 206 and the first cover plate 104a. In various embodiments, the biasing force that presses the bumps 210 against an inward surface 302a of the first cover plate 104a can provide enough friction to prevent the auxiliary member 102 from sliding away from the first cover plate 104a until a sufficient amount of lateral force (e.g., applied along the X axis shown in FIG. 2) is applied.

FIG. 3 depicts an exploded perspective of the cover plates 104 and the inner plates 106 that comprise the body 103 of the wallet 100. As shown in FIG. 3, a second exterior face 107b of the wallet 103 can be defined by a side of the second cover plate 104b. Further, the second exterior face 107b can face away from the outward surface 204b of the second inner plate 106b. Additionally, the outward surface 204b of the second inner plate 106b can face away from the inward surface 302b of the first inner plate 106a. Moreover, the inward surface 302b of the first inner plate 106a can face away from the inward surface 302a of the first cover plate 104a.

In one or more embodiments, the inward surface 302a of the first cover plate 104a can include one or more indents 304. Further, the one or more indents 304 can be aligned over the longitudinal groove 114 of the first inner plate 106a while the first cover plate 104a is fixed to the first inner plate 106a. For example, the one or more indents 304 can correlate to the positioning of the one or more bumps 210 of the auxiliary member 102 while the tang 206 is fully inserted into the longitudinal groove 114.

FIG. 4 depicts a side perspective of a non-limiting example first cover plate 104a in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. For example, FIG. 4 shows an inward surface 302a of the first cover plate 104a. In one or more embodiments, the inward surface 302a of the first cover plate 104a can comprise one or more indents 304. In various embodiments, the inward surface 302a of the first cover plate 104a can be free of indents 304 (e.g., can be flat, or substantially flat).

Additionally, the indents 304 can have a shape complementary to a shape of the one or more bumps 210. Further, the indents 304 can be at a location on the inward surface 302a of the first cover plate 104a that is aligned with the bumps 210 of the tang 206 when the auxiliary member 102 is in a coupled position. In one or more embodiments, the one or more indents 304 and/or bumps 210 can have a circular or polygonal geometry. In various embodiment, the one or more indents can extend into the inward surface 302a of the first cover plate 104a without transcribing to the first exterior face 107a of the wallet 100. For example, the indents 304 can extend into the inward surface 302a of the first cover plate 104a without creating a raised portion on the opposite side of the first cover plate 104a. In various embodiments, the one or more idents 304 can define a seat into which the one or more bumps 210 of the tang 206 can reside while the auxiliary member 102 is in the coupled position. In various embodiments, an engagement of the bumps 210 with the indents 304 can prevent the auxiliary member 102 from sliding away from the first cover plate 104a until a sufficient amount of lateral force (e.g., applied along the X axis shown in FIG. 4) is applied to remove the auxiliary member 102 via the sidewall cavity defined by the longitudinal groove 114.

In one or more embodiments, the inward surface 302a of the first cover plate 104a can comprise one or more ridges (not shown) that can engage the one or more bumps 210 (e.g., abut the one or more bumps 210) while the auxiliary member 102 is in the coupled position. For example, the one or more ridges can be protrusions extending from the inward surface 302a of the first cover plate 104a towards the first inner plate 106a. Additionally, the one or more ridges can be aligned with the one or more bumps 210 while the auxiliary member 102 is in the coupled position. In various embodiments, the one or more ridges can prevent the auxiliary member 102 from sliding away from the first cover plate 104a until a sufficient amount of lateral force (e.g., applied along the X axis shown in FIG. 4) is applied to remove the auxiliary member 102 via the sidewall cavity defined by the longitudinal groove 114.

FIG. 5 depicts another exploded perspective of the non-limiting example wallet 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. As shown in FIG. 5, the tang 206 can be slid down the sides of the first cover plate 104a towards the center of the first cover plate 104a. Further, while the auxiliary member 102 is coupled to the body 103, the tang 206 of the auxiliary member 102 can be positioned adjacent to the longitudinal elastic band 110 (e.g., such that the tang 206 is positioned between the longitudinal elastic band 110 and the first cover plate 104a, while being positioned within the longitudinal groove 114).

FIG. 6 depicts a bottom perspective view of the non-limiting example wallet 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. FIGS. 7A-7D depict side perspective views of the non-limiting example wallet 100 comprising an auxiliary clip 102a in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. As shown in FIGS. 7A-7D, the clip portion 202 of the auxiliary clip 102a can be positioned adjacent to the first cover plate 104a. During operation, a user can position objects (e.g., bills) between the clip portion 202 of the auxiliary clip 102a and the first cover plate 104a. The auxiliary clip 102a can retain said objects against the first cover plate 104a. Further, the tang 206 of the auxiliary clip 102a can extend into the longitudinal groove 114 in the first inner plate 106a at one of the sides of the wallet 100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7D). For example, the tang 206 can be inserted into the longitudinal groove 114 just above the longitudinal elastic band 110 to couple the auxiliary clip 102a to the body 103. While the tang 206 resides in the longitudinal groove 114, friction between the tang 206 and the first cover plate 104a, along with friction between the tang 206 and the longitudinal elastic band 110 and/or the sides of the longitudinal groove 114, can hold the auxiliary member 102 (e.g., the auxiliary clip 102a) in place on the wallet 100. Further, the clip portion 202 can extend to the tang 206, such that the clip portion 202 can curve around an edge of the first cover plate 104a to form the tang 206 of the auxiliary clip 102a.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top perspective view of the non-limiting example wallet 100 comprising the auxiliary clip 102a in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the non-limiting example wallet 100 comprising the auxiliary clip 102a in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 10A-13B depict various perspectives of a non-limiting example auxiliary clip 102a in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. As described herein, the clip portion 202 can be coupled to the tang 206 via an integral hinge that curves around an edge of the first cover plate 104a. A width of the tang 206 (e.g. along the Y axis shown) can be about equal to, or slightly less than, the interior width (e.g., along the Y axis shown) of the longitudinal groove 114 in the first inner plate 106b. Further, the bumps 210 of the tang 206 can be indentations in one side of the tang 206 that result in protrusions in the opposite side of the tang 206 (e.g., the side that faces the first cover plate 104a when coupled to the body 103). The tang 206 and the clip portion 202 can be coupled together via an integral hinge 1002 (e.g., as exemplified in FIGS. 10A-10B) that biases the tang 206 towards the clip portion 202 (and vice versa). For example, the bias of the integral hinge 1002 can result in the pinching force applied to the first cover plate 104a.

For example, while in the coupled position, the tang 206 can be positioned adjacent the inward surface 302a of the first cover plate 104a, the integral hinge 1002 can wrap around an edge of the first cover plate 104a, and the clip portion 202 can be positioned adjacent the first exterior face 107a of the wallet 100. For instance, the tang 206 and/or one or more bumps 210 can abut the inward surface 302a of the first cover plate 104a. In one or more embodiments, the one or more bumps 210 can abut a flat inward surface 302a of the first cover plate 104a. In one or more embodiments, the one or more bumps 210 can be seated within aligned indents 304. In one or more embodiments, the one or more bumps 210 can abut one or more ridges on the inward surface 320a of the first cover plate 104a.

In various embodiments, alignment of the tang 206 in relation to the first cover plate 104a can be facilitated by the alignment of the longitudinal groove 114 in which the tang 206 at least partially resides.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more bumps 210 can be aligned with one or more indents 304 positioned in the first cover plate 104a. For instance, the one or more indents 304 in the inner surface 302a of the first cover plate 104a can complement the shape of the bumps 210 of the tang 206. The one or more indents 304 can provide a seat for the bumps 210 that contributes to the frictional force such that the lateral force must be sufficient enough to de-seat the bumps 210 to facilitate removal of the auxiliary member 102 from the body 103 of the wallet 100.

FIGS. 14-16 depict top, bottom, and side perspective view of the non-limiting example wallet 100 comprising an electronic parts holder 102b as the auxiliary member 102 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. In various embodiments, the electronic parts holder 102b can be configured to hold one or more electronic devices within a device chamber 1402 that is fastened to the clip portion 202 of the electronic parts holder 102b. For instance, the electronic parts holder 102b can embody the clip portion 202, tang 206, bumps 210, and/or integral hinge 1006 similarly to the auxiliary clip 102a. Further, the device chamber 1402 can enable the electronic parts holder 102b to house an electronic device while simultaneously retaining one or more objects against the first exterior surface 107a of the wallet 100. In various embodiments, the electronic device held within the device chamber 1402 can be, for example: a GPS device, a flashlight, a camera, a communication device, a combination thereof, and/or the like.

In accordance with various embodiments described herein, the electronic parts holder 102b can be coupled to the body 103 of the wallet 100 via a friction fit established by the tang 206 while positioned in the longitudinal groove 114. For example, the tang 206 can press against the first cover plate 104a to establish the friction fit. In one or more embodiments, the tang 206 can comprise one or more bumps 210 configured to press against the first cover plate 104a and/or seat within one or more indents 304 within the first cover plate 104a.

FIGS. 17-21B depict top, bottom, and side perspective views of a non-limiting example electronic parts holder 102b that can serve as an auxiliary member 102 for a wallet 103 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. As shown, the device chamber 1402 can be composed of a shell that is positioned on the clip portion 202. Further, the device chamber 1402 can be fastened to the clip portion 202 via one or more secondary fasteners 1802 (e.g. screws). To load the electronic parts holder 102b with an electronic device, the fasteners can be removed (e.g., unscrewed), the device chamber 1402 can be separated from the clip portion 202, the electronic device can be seated within the device chamber 1402, and the device chamber 1402 can be re-fixed to the clip portion 202.

FIGS. 22-25, 28A-28D, 32-34, and 42-44 depict top, bottom, and side perspective views of the non-limiting example wallet 100 comprising an auxiliary band 102c as the auxiliary member 102 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. FIGS. 26-27, 29-31, 35-41, and 45-48 depict top, bottom, and side perspective views of a non-limiting example auxiliary band 102c that can be an auxiliary member 102 for a wallet 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. In various embodiments, the auxiliary band 102b can extend the length of the wallet 100 along the longitudinal direction (e.g., along the X axis shown). The auxiliary band 102c can be configured to retain one or more objects (e.g., bills) against the first cover plate 104a of the wallet 100. For example, the auxiliary band 102c can be configured to hold objects (e.g., bank notes) in position on the first exterior surface 107a of the first cover plate 104a.

In various embodiments, the auxiliary band 102c can include two tangs 206: a first tang 206a positioned at a first end of a retention band 2202, and a second tang 206b positioned at a second end of the retention band 2202. The first end of the retention band 2202 can be opposite the second end of the retention band 2202. For instance, the retention band 2202 can be strip of elastic material (e.g., a strip of woven elastic material). Each tang 206 of the auxiliary band 102c can include one or more bumps 210. Additionally, each tang 206 of the auxiliary band 102c can include one or more holes. In various embodiments, the ends of the retention band 2202 loops through the holes of the tangs 206. For example, each end of the retention band 2202 can loop through a respective hole of the tangs 206 and be secured (e.g., sewn) to the body (e.g., the main trunk) of the retention band 2202.

In accordance with various embodiments described herein, the auxiliary band 102c can be coupled to the body 103 of the wallet 100 via a friction fit established by the tangs 206 (e.g., the first tang 206a and the second tang 206b) while positioned in the longitudinal groove 114. For example, the tangs 206 can press against the first cover plate 104a to establish the friction fit. In one or more embodiments, the tangs 206 can comprise one or more bumps 210 configured to press against the first cover plate 104a and/or seat within one or more indents 304 within the first cover plate 104a.

In various embodiments, the holes of the tangs 206 can remail exterior to the body 103 while the auxiliary band 102c is coupled to the wallet 103. As such, the retention band 2202 can remain isolated to the exterior of the wallet 100. For instance, the thickness of the retention band 2202 (e.g., in combination with the thickness of the tangs 206) can prevent migration of the retention band 2202 into the longitudinal groove 114. By regulating the positioning of the retention band 2202 to the exterior of the body 103 of the wallet 100, operation/elasticity of the retention band 2202 can remain unaffected by operation (e.g., stretch) of the longitudinal elastic band 110.

Additionally, the auxiliary band 102c can comprise one or more buckles 3202 positioned along the retention band 2202. For example, the buckle can include a piece of planar metal, plastic, leather, and/or rigid material fixed to the retention band 2202. In one or more embodiments, the buckle 302 can be pressed against the first cover plate 104a by the retention band 2202. As shown, the buckle 302 can be embodied via a variety of shapes, such as various rectangular variants.

Moreover, the tangs 206 can be embodied by a variety of geometries. For example, the tangs 206 can be embodied by a rectangular shape. In another example, the ends of the tangs 206 can exhibit a semi-circular shape. For instance, rounding the ends of the tangs 206 can mitigate interference of the tangs 206 in the operation (e.g., stretch and contraction) of the longitudinal elastic band 110.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, for example, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “contains”, “containing”, “includes”, “including,” “comprises”, and/or “comprising,” and variations thereof, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Terms of orientation are used herein merely for purposes of convention and referencing and are not to be construed as limiting. However, it is recognized these terms could be used with reference to an operator or user. Accordingly, no limitations are implied or to be inferred. In addition, the use of ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) is for distinction and not counting. For example, the use of “third” does not imply there must be a corresponding “first” or “second.” Also, as used herein, the terms “coupled” or “coupled to” or “connected” or “connected to” or “attached” or “attached to” may indicate establishing either a direct or indirect connection, and is not limited to either unless expressly referenced as such.

While the disclosure has described several exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation, or material to embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, or to the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, reference in the appended claims to an apparatus or system or a component of an apparatus or system being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular function encompasses that apparatus, system, or component, whether or not it or that particular function is activated, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operative.

Claims

1. A compact wallet, comprising: a body comprising a plurality of plates;a cover plate from the plurality of plates; andan auxiliary member coupled to the cover plate via a friction fit, wherein a tang of the auxiliary member is pressed against an inner surface of the cover plate.

2. The compact wallet of claim 1, wherein the tang includes a bump that extends toward the cover plate and abuts the inner surface of the cover plate.

3. The compact wallet of claim 2, wherein the inner surface of the cover plate includes an indentation, and wherein the bump resides within the indentation.

4. The compact wallet of claim 2, wherein the inner surface of the cover plate includes a ridge that extends toward the tang, and wherein the bump abuts a sidewall of the ridge.